The European Commission has launched a procedure against the UK for failure to comply with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, signed as part of the Brexit agreement. The EC said in a statement.

"Despite repeated calls for the UK government to comply with the Protocol, it has failed to do so. This is a clear violation of international law. The purpose of these breach procedures is to restore compliance with the Protocol in a number of key areas where Britain is not properly implementing it - ultimately to protect the health and safety of EU citizens," the statement said.

The European Commission also released documents that Brussels said explain how the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland can be facilitated.

"Trust is built through compliance with international obligations. Unilateral action is not constructive. Violation of international treaties is unacceptable. Britain does not respect the Protocol. That is why we are starting this procedure today," said European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič.

If the British government does not respond within two months, the Commission will consider filing a lawsuit with the EU Court of Justice. Under the Protocol, the EU Court of Justice has the power to include the possibility of collecting a lump sum or penalty.

The European Commission also decided to launch two new procedures against London for failing to comply with obligations under EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules and for failing to provide certain trade statistics for Northern Ireland, as required by the Protocol.